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Addressing the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX 2017), he said the new submarines would be important part of the navy's modernisation efforts.

Ng said the Singapore navy needs to keep pace with the growth of navies in Asia as the naval budget in the Asia Pacific region is expected to increase by 60 per cent by 2020.

The minister cited the AMI International report which says that the region would have approximately 800 more warships and submarines by 2030.

"Individual countries need to work together, even as each appropriately strengthens their navies and other maritime security agencies. We must at the same time build up collective platforms to address common security challenges," Ng told a gathering of navy chiefs, diplomats and naval industry officials at the opening of IMDEX 2017.

Singapore has signed a contract with Thyssenkrupp Marine System GmBH for the submarines which will incorporate design innovation and advanced maintenance and engineering concepts to optimise training, operation and maintenance costs.

The submarines will also be equipped with significantly improved capabilities like modern combat systems and Air Independent Propulsion Systems.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)